States are actively updating and expanding their Energy Efficiency Resource Standards (EERS) to achieve significant energy savings and promote efficient technologies. Texas pioneered EERS in 1999, and over 30 states have since implemented similar programs. Recent revisions include setting efficiency targets for natural gas and establishing mandatory targets. States like Washington and New Mexico have expanded their EERS policies, while others like Florida and Ohio have eliminated them. EERS policies vary in design, with some states setting specific savings requirements and others using third-party administrators. Cost caps and spending requirements are also common elements in these policies.

A collaborative team of researchers from the University of California, Davis, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, University of Tennessee, and West Virginia University is working on a five-year project funded by the Department of Energy's Office of Science to improve poplar biomass production under stress conditions such as droughts and heat waves. The project, titled 'SyPro Poplar,' aims to develop stress-tolerant poplar trees using an integrated approach that includes omics, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and genetic engineering. The research focuses on identifying stress-responsive genes and proteins and developing synthetic promoters to control gene expression. The project's progress includes promising proteomics data and the development of novel cell-type specific analysis tools. The ultimate goal is to enable poplar cultivation on marginal lands, potentially benefiting rural communities and the biofuel industry.

Researchers are developing a new type of surgical staple inspired by porcupine quills, which may be less damaging and painful than current metal staples. The barbed design of the quills allows for minimal tissue damage and strong grip, potentially enabling smaller incisions in surgeries. The new staples are anticipated to be made from biodegradable materials, eliminating the need for removal. Human testing could begin in two to five years, pending technological advancements. The research is led by Jeff Karp at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, with insights from Uldis Roze of Queens College.

Laura Shields and Dirk Singer, communications consultants and members of Democrats Abroad, analyze the tactics of 'Never Trumpers' like The Lincoln Project and Republican Voters Against Trump, who are campaigning against Donald Trump's re-election. They highlight the importance of being ruthless, targeting efforts, focusing on values over policy, and employing message discipline. The authors suggest that progressives could learn from these strategies to avoid political defeats like Brexit and Boris Johnson's election victory. They note that while these groups currently align with progressives against Trump, their ultimate goal is to rebuild the Republican party.

Researchers are developing a new type of surgical staple inspired by porcupine quills, which may be less damaging and painful than traditional metal staples. The barbed design of the quills allows for minimal tissue damage and better grip, potentially leading to smaller incisions in surgeries. The new staples are expected to be made from biodegradable materials, eliminating the need for removal. Human testing could begin in two to five years, pending technological advancements. The research is led by Jeff Karp at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, with contributions from KQED's Deep Look series.

Researchers are developing a new type of surgical staple inspired by porcupine quills, which may be less damaging and painful than current metal staples. Jeff Karp and his team at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School are working on biodegradable staples with barbed tips that require less effort to place and hold tissue together more effectively. The design minimizes tissue damage and infection risk, potentially enabling smaller incisions in surgeries. Human testing of these tools could begin in two to five years, pending technological advancements.

Researchers, led by bioengineer Jeff Karp at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, are developing a new type of surgical staple inspired by porcupine quills. Traditional sutures and staples can damage tissue, but the barbed design of porcupine quills causes minimal damage and could lead to less painful wound closure. The team is working on creating biodegradable staples that mimic the quill's barbs and hold tissue together effectively without the need for removal. Human testing of these tools could begin within two to five years, potentially enabling smaller incisions in surgeries.

Researchers, led by bioengineer Jeff Karp at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, are developing a new type of surgical staple inspired by porcupine quills. These staples aim to be less damaging and painful than current metal staples. Porcupine quills have microscopic, backward-facing barbs that allow for minimal damage upon entry and a strong hold without needing to bend the staple. The team is working on creating biodegradable staples that dissolve over time, potentially enabling smaller incisions in surgeries. Human testing of these tools could begin within two to five years.

Researchers, including Jeff Karp of Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, are developing a new type of surgical staple inspired by porcupine quills. Traditional sutures and staples can damage tissue, but the barbed design of porcupine quills causes minimal damage and could lead to less painful, more effective wound healing. The new staples are anticipated to be made from biodegradable material and could enable smaller incisions in surgeries. Human testing of these tools may begin within two to five years.

Researchers, led by bioengineer Jeff Karp at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, are developing a new type of surgical staple inspired by porcupine quills. Traditional sutures and staples can damage tissue, but the barbed design of porcupine quills causes minimal damage and could lead to less painful, more effective medical staples. The team is working on creating biodegradable staples that mimic the quill's barbs and anticipate human testing could begin within two to five years. The research aims to enable smaller incisions in surgeries, benefiting both surgeons and patients.